REVIEW: Better Call Saul – “Uno”

The following is a review of the first episode of AMC’s Better Call Saul, which premiered in Europe on Netflix this morning. Don’t expect a complete recap of the episode.

I’ve seen a lot of spin-offs over the years. Some work – Stargate Atlantis, Frasier – some just don’t – Joey, Stargate Universe. It’s all about keeping the feel of a franchise, without overtly copy-pasting – and making something great out of characters that might’ve once been little more than stock characters. In this – the first ever Better Call Saul-episode – we are treated to a very interesting take on the greatest attorney from one of TV’s best ever shows.

I think we all feared the worst, when it came to Better Call Saul. Sure, Gilligan would still be involved, but nothing’s safe when it comes to spin-offs. Thankfully, AMC, Vince Gilligan, and Peter Gould have given us an interesting new show – one including nostalgia, but, as it turns out, also including substance.

Just like Breaking Bad, this show is absolutely gorgeus. It’s a treat to watch, and I commend the people working behind the camera. Now, I don’t think I ever doubted the writing team – I had expectations – but my main worry was that the show was centered on a character that they could fail to make interesting or poignant.

The opening five-or-so minutes give us everything we need to set off – it’s believable. We’re given an idea of what happened to Saul Goodman after the events of Breaking Bad. We need to believe that this is the guy from the best ever AMC show, and I do believe that will be the biggest challenge for this show – but if you watched the remainder of the episode, then you’re left with a good taste in your mouth.

Bob Odenkirk’s character is as hilarious as always, but we see a different side of him when he has to deal with his brother – and the people involved in his real life. This is very promising, and if this episode is anything to go by – we’re in for a very interesting and peculiar ride.

I enjoyed the parts where he had to guide the skaters, and I thought the court room scene was hilarious – in spite of its macabre nature. The feel is still present, Goodman is at his best – and the show looks amazing.

During the episode, and in particular at the very end of it, we are treated to a lot of familiar faces – and the cliffhanger of the episode left me wanting more. The first episode did its job. I still have my trepidations, but I am hopeful – and this episode was very promising.